Wednesday, July 2, 2025
2 min read
Buying a used car is a smart choice — whether you're upgrading your vehicle, getting your first car, or need a reliable van for work. But with so many options out there, how do you make sure you're getting a great deal?
At AnyColourCar.com, we’re based right here in Barnsley, and we believe buying a car should be simple, modern, and completely hassle-free. To help you out, we’ve put together this expert checklist to guide you through what to check when buying a used car — especially if you’re shopping locally in South Yorkshire.
Before anything else, ask for the full vehicle history report. This should include:
MOT history
Previous ownership
Recorded mileage
Any insurance write-offs or accident damage
At AnyColourCar.com, every vehicle we sell includes a full history check, so you’re never left guessing.
Barnsley roads (and weather!) can take a toll on vehicles. Walk around the car and look for:
Rust patches, especially around the wheel arches
Paint inconsistencies (signs of repair work)
Tyre condition and tread depth
Interior wear — especially the driver’s seat, pedals, and dashboard
A test drive is essential. Listen for:
Unusual knocks, ticking, or rattling
Delayed acceleration or stuttering
Excessive exhaust smoke (especially when cold)
We encourage test drives on real Barnsley roads so you can experience how the car performs in familiar settings.
Don’t just drive around the car park. Try:
Urban driving: Navigate through Barnsley town centre
Dual carriageways: Take a short stretch on the A628 or M1
Country lanes: If possible, try routes toward Silkstone or Penistone
Testing a car in typical local conditions reveals a lot about its handling and comfort.
A well-documented service history proves the car has been looked after. Look for:
Regular oil changes
Brake fluid and timing belt replacements
Recent services (especially for high-mileage cars)
We only stock vehicles with verified service records to give you confidence.
All vehicles in the UK need a valid MOT. For Barnsley buyers, also consider:
Future MOT expiry dates
Advisory notes on the last test
ULEZ compliance (if you ever drive into Sheffield or Leeds)
Our team will walk you through the MOT details and emissions performance of every vehicle.
You don’t just want a good car — you want a good experience. Look for a local Barnsley dealership that:
Has positive online reviews
Offers clear pricing with no hidden fees
Makes it easy to buy online or in person
Doesn’t pressure you into decisions
At AnyColourCar.com, we’re proud to offer a modern car buying experience right here in Barnsley. We’ve removed the stress, added transparency, and made the entire process as easy as ordering online — because that’s how it should be.
Whether you're buying a used car, van, or pickup truck in Barnsley or anywhere in South Yorkshire, follow these 7 steps and you’ll be on the road with confidence. And remember — when you buy with AnyColourCar.com, you’re choosing a hassle-free, trustworthy, and local car retailer that puts service first.
🔍 Browse our current stock of vehicles [here]
📞 Or call our Barnsley team today for expert advice and easy financing
anycolourcar Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number: 12573459. Genn Lane, Barnsley, S70 6TF. anycolourcar Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, under FCA number: 946186. We act as a credit broker not a lender. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. (Written Quotation available upon request). Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow) and this may or may not affect the total amount repayable. The lender will disclose this information before you enter into an agreement which only occurs with your express consent. The lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates and you will be notified of the amount we are paid before completion. All finance is subject to status and income. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 years or over. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers. As we are a credit broker and have a commercial relationship with the lender, the introduction we make is not impartial, but we will make introductions in line with your needs, subject to your circumstances. anycolourcar Limited are registered with the Information Commissioners Office under registration number: ZA863807
The Old Garage, Genn Lane, Worsbrough, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 6TF
Email : hello@anycolourcar.comSales 01226 574410 Customer Care 01226 574321
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